Caerphilly Ladies Choir Director to retire after 47 years

The Musical Director at Caerphilly Ladies Choir is set to retire after 47 years with the group.

Jean Davies started her current role in 2002 and will remain involved with the choir as Vice-President.

Mrs Davies told Caerphilly Observer: “It has been absolutely wonderful and I’m sorry to leave it all behind.”

“I have so many fond memories of the choir – I couldn’t single one out.

“We’ve had so many laughs and great times together.”

Mrs Davies first joined the choir as an accompanist when she moved to Caerphilly to take up a teaching role. The choir was known as the Margaret Roach Singers at the time.

She left the choir in 1973 to form a male glee club called the Gledyr Singers, but returned in 1977 and became the accompanist once again.

Prizes at numerous Eisteddfodau soon followed as the choir began touring across the UK and Europe.

The Choir was re-named the Caerphilly Ladies Choir in 1996 and Mrs Davies became the Director of Music six years later.

In her time with the choir, they have performed at places including Caerphilly Castle, The Principality Stadium, Wales Millennium Centre and the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Marjorie Gray from the Caerphilly Ladies choir said: “With Jean at the helm, the choir has built up a great reputation. The choristers owe her tremendous thanks for all her hard work and dedication. Most of the choir’s concerts are given for charities and over the many years Jean has helped to raise a great deal of money.”

Mrs Davies’ successor is Ellie Baker, who has been serving as the group’s Assistant Director of Music.